Treatment Results

	The University of Oklahoma
	An Interdisciplinary Team Approach to Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Problems

Patient Results Page

		Cleft Lip And Palate The most common malformation of the face is cleft lip and palate. Clefting can affect about one in seven hundred children born in the United States. The clinic offers INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE for cleft patients through J.W.Keys Cleft and Craniofacial Team, including reconstructive maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dental evaluations, orthodontic and prosthetic care before and after surgery, speech pathology, audiology and pediatrics. There is also referral system in place otorhinolaryngology, genetics and neurosurgery. The goal of the team is to guide and direct parents in a manner that is consistent with the American Cleft Lip and Palate Association team guidelines. The clinic specialists work closely together, taking a flexible approach to the timing of cleft repair, to optimize the child's speech development and facial growth. Cleft lip repair is generally performed at 3-6 months of age, while cleft palate surgery take place at 12 to 15 months of age.



Distraction Osteogenesis Bone lengthening is an exciting new treatment for many patients with disturbances of facial growth. Using a bone expansion device, the lower and upper jaws can be "grown" without the use of bone grafts. the most common use is in the lower jaw and the device may be placed inside the mouth and occasionally on the outside of the face next to the lower jaw. The procedure is most often performed for severe facial growth disturbances that may be associated with sleep apnea, eating and chewing difficulty and speech disorders.